Purdue to host inaugural Space Policy Symposium
Purdue University will convene top leaders in government, industry and academia for its inaugural Space Policy Symposium @ Purdue on Oct. 30-31 on the West Lafayette campus. Organized by the Purdue Policy Research Institute (PPRI), one of the Institutes and Centers at Discovery Park District, the symposium will include workshops and discussions aimed at supporting policy development around norms of behavior in space.
The symposium — which stems from conversations with Purdue alumni including Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen of the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command and Rodney Miller of Lockheed Martin — will address critical topics like strategic messaging of space capabilities, engaging with allies and strengthening government-industry relationships. Influential figures such as Panzenhagen; retired Gen. David D. Thompson, former vice chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force; Travis Langster, deputy assistant secretary of defense for international & industry engagement; Dan Dumbacher, CEO (Ret.) of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Mark Lewis, CEO of the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI); and Paula Trimble, policy chief for the Space Development Agency in the Department of Defense, will provide keynote remarks and participate in moderated panel discussions.
“The space race and our geopolitical climate make it imperative that we establish policy to ensure the safety, security and success of U.S. programs and efforts on Earth and in space,” said Stacey Connaughton, director of PPRI. “This symposium marks a significant opportunity for discussions that could help shape the future of space policy and research, leveraging Purdue’s long-standing expertise in space science, engineering and technology and reinforcing the university’s commitment to innovation in the field.”
Drawing on their collective knowledge and experience, participants will help to identify knowledge gaps and identify potential next steps in research, partnering and policy development. The first day of the event will feature keynotes and panel discussions involving leading experts from military, government and the private sector, while the second day will include workshops and a student case competition with participants from Purdue, North Carolina A&T State University and the University of Puerto Rico. The symposium is free for all Purdue faculty, staff and students, with workshops including congressional staffers and invited experts.
The symposium was designed in collaboration with leaders from military and industry, Purdue faculty, and staff members from across basic research organizations, as well as the Office of Industry Partnerships, PARI and the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy.
Following the event, PPRI plans to lead the charge to develop policy papers and issue briefs that can be used by relevant stakeholders.